At four years old, Toyota's Venza is a relatively new addition to the Japanese automaker's vehicle lineup, which includes such
venerable names as Corolla, Camry and 4Runner. Just the same, it gets a number of upgrades for 2013. What may be more surprising is that despite the updates the 2013 Venza also features a lower starting price of $28,690, which is a reduction of $700 from the outgoing 2012 model while adding $565 in new standard features.

"The 2013 Toyota Venza crossover redefines vehicle versatility combining a sleek design with SUV flexibility making it a popular choice for Canadian drivers," commented Warren Orton, Director, Marketing, Toyota Canada Inc. "For the 2013 model year, Toyota enhances Venza's styling and features, even as we offer new, lower starting MSRPs on all models. There's never been a better time to discover the versatility of Venza."

Exterior revisions for model
year 2013 include new heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, a new front grille, new taillights, and other slight changes. Inside, the 2013 Venza receives new simulated woodgrain trim as well as a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel with tilt and telescoping adjustment along with integrated Bluetooth and audio controls. The interior has also been upgraded to include a standard 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard automatic climate control, and other standard features like high-visibility Optitron instrumentation including a multi-information display and trip computer, chrome interior door handles, cruise control, an integrated universal garage door opener, and "plenty of in-cabin and cargo-area storage," says Toyota in a press release. Lastly, all Venza models get a new 6-speaker audio unit for 2013, which includes a 6.1-inch infotainment display, voice recognition technology, the automatic sound levelizer system, USB and auxiliary audio input jacks, integrated XM Satellite Radio, and the list goes on.

The base Venza can be optioned out with a Premium Package that adds leather seats, heated front cushions, a powered rear liftgate, a back up camera, a panoramic glass roof and an anti-theft system.

Additional price reductions include the four-cylinder Venza AWD that's now just $30,490, representing almost $400 less than last year's model, while the Venza V6 is now $30,445, which is a decrease of nearly $500. Likewise, the new Venza V6 AWD is available for $32,245, reduced by $120 from the 2012 model despite more than $550 of additional features.

The same Premium Package can be added to
other Venza trim levels, as can a Touring Package that adds to the Premium Package with such amenities as proximity sensing access with pushbutton ignition, a navigation system, premium leather seating, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and more, plus new items for 2013 such as a driver's seat memory system with linked exterior mirrors, auto-leveling HID headlights, and LED daytime running lights. Even more upscale than the Touring Package is the Touring & JBL Package, which is essentially the same except that it adds a 13-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system and Toyota's automatic highbeam system.

A standard 182-horsepower 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine supplies power to the Venza, or optionally a 268-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 can be had. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, with either standard front- or optional all-wheel drive available with either power plant.